Collage making apparatus

ABSTRACT

Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout area contained within the collage making apparatus. The layout area accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in the collage. The collage making apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout area is reproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within the layout area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/696,719, filed on Oct. 24, 2000, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference for all that it discloses.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to duplication devices in general and morespecifically to flatbed scanner devices.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Scanner devices, such as flatbed scanners, are well-known in theart and produce machine-readable image data signals that arerepresentative of a scanned object, such as a photograph or a page ofprinted text. In a typical scanner application, the image data signalsproduced by a flat bed scanner 11 (FIG. 1) may be used by a personalcomputer (not shown) to reproduce an image of the scanned object on asuitable display device (not shown), such as CRT or a printer.

[0005] The typical flatbed scanner 11 will be provided with a scannerhousing 13 suitable for holding the various systems and componentscomprising the flatbed scanner 11. See FIG. 1. The scanner housing 13may comprise a generally rectangularly shaped structure having a topside 15 and a bottom side 17 that are positioned in a generallyparallel, spaced-apart relation to one another. The top side 15 ofscanner housing 13 may include a generally rectangularly shaped scanningbed or transparent platen 19 that has a width 25 and a length 27. Thescanning bed 19 allows an object positioned adjacent the scanning bed 19to be scanned by a scanning device (not shown) contained within thehousing 13.

[0006] The scanner housing 13 may be further provided with a controlpanel 21 operatively associated with the flatbed scanner 11. A scannerlid 23 may be pivotally attached to the housing 13 via a hinge member29. The hinge member 29 allows the scanner lid 23 to rotate about apivot axis 31 between its opened position and its closed position.

[0007] The flatbed scanner 11 may further include illumination andoptical systems (not shown) positioned within the housing 13 underneaththe scanning bed 19. The illumination and optical systems accomplish thescanning of the object. More specifically, the illumination systemilluminates a portion of the object (commonly referred to as a “scanregion”), whereas the optical system collects light reflected by theilluminated scan region and focuses a small area of the illuminated scanregion (commonly referred to as a “scan line”) onto the surface of aphotosensitive detector (not shown) positioned within the scannerhousing 13. Image data representative of the entire object then may beobtained by sweeping the scan line across the entire object, usually bymoving the illumination and optical systems with respect to the object.

[0008] By way of example, the illumination system may include a lightsource (e.g., a fluorescent or incandescent lamp or an array of lightemitting diodes (LEDs)). The optical system may include a lens and/ormirror assembly to focus the image of the illuminated scan line onto thesurface of the detector. Alternatively, a “contact image sensor” (CIS)may be used to collect and focus light from the illuminated scan regionon the detector.

[0009] The photosensitive detector used to detect the image lightfocused thereon by the optical system may be a charge-coupled device(CCD), although other devices may be used. A typical CCD may comprise anarray of individual cells or “pixels,” each of which collects orbuilds-up an electrical charge in response to exposure to light. Sincethe quantity of the accumulated electrical charge in any given cell orpixel is related to the intensity and duration of the light exposure, aCCD may be used to detect light and dark spots on an image focusedthereon.

[0010] Flatbed scanners and the various components thereof are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,572 for NOTEBOOK STYLED SCANNER of Khovaylo, etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,041 for OPTICAL SCANNER of David Wayne Boyd;U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,144 for COLOR IMAGER UTILIZING NOVEL TRICHROMATICBEAM SPLITTER AND PHOTOSENSOR of Kent J. Vincent; U.S. Pat. No.4,870,268 for COLOR COMBINER AND SEPARATOR AND IMPLEMENTATIONS of KentJ. Vincent and Hans D. Neuman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,028 for OPTICALSCANNER APERTURE AND LIGHT SOURCE ASSEMBLY of Boyd, et al.; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,227,620 for APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING COMPONENTS OF COLOROPTICAL SCANNERS of Elder, et al., which are each hereby specificallyincorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein.

[0011] As personal computers and their peripheral devices continue todecrease in price while increasing in quality, more users findthemselves with home computer systems that include scanners andhigh-quality color printers. Although many of the users have beeninformed of the ease with which creative tasks can be performed withsuch high-tech devices, many creative tasks are far too complex for theaverage user to successfully complete and enjoy. For example, manyproblems surface when a user wants to creatively combine multiple piecesof media into a collage or scrapbook. When dealing with such creativecombinations, extensive computer-based editing of the scanned image isoften required that quickly turns a creative endeavor into a tedioustask.

[0012] As just mentioned, a common use for scanners is to “collage”several items into one cohesive, creative arrangement. With currentflatbed scanners 11, the objects to be scanned must be laid upside downon the scanning bed 19, which makes it very difficult and impracticalfor the user to determine how the resulting collage will look.Typically, the user will place the objects face-down in a certainarrangement on the scanning bed 19. The user will then peel back an edgeof each object to check the alignment of that object with respect to thescanning bed 19. The user will next scan the arrangement. Unfortunately,because it is difficult to confirm correct alignment of the objectswhile looking at the objects upside down, the first scan is oftenunsatisfactory. Thus, the user is forced to reposition the objects andperform another scan. Although this time-consuming process mayeventually yield good results, it usually does so only after severalrepeated attempts by the user. In the meantime, the user may have wastedconsiderable time and processing capacity (associated with scanning anddisplaying the scanned image) before the desired arrangement has beenscanned. Such a “scan, evaluate, reposition, re-scan, re-evaluate”process often results in the user being completely frustrated anddisappointed. Moreover, even if the user is able to successfullyposition the objects on the scanning bed 19 in the desired arrangementprior to scanning, the closing of the scanner lid 23 may cause theobjects to shift from that desired arrangement resulting in anunsatisfactory scan anyway.

[0013] Partly in an effort to alleviate the aforementioned problems someusers have turned to digital cameras to capture electronic images of thedesired arrangements. While such digital cameras allow the user to moreeasily obtain a scan or photograph of the objects in a desiredarrangement since the objects can be arranged face-up, this solutionfirst requires the user to obtain a digital camera, a costly endeavor.

[0014] Consequently, a need remains for collage making apparatus for usewith scanner apparatus that improves user efficiency, success rate andsatisfaction. Ideally, the collage making apparatus would be easy to useand not require any hardware changes. The collage making apparatusshould allow the user to observe the arrangement of the objects prior toscanning so that the need to repeatedly scan, evaluate and position theobjects to scan the desired layout is eliminated. Finally, the collagemaking apparatus should minimize the amount of time required forcomputer-based editing of the scanned image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of acollage by duplication apparatus may comprise a layout area containedwithin the collage making apparatus. The layout area accommodates atleast one object that is to be contained in the collage. The collagemaking apparatus is convertible between a layout mode and a duplicationmode. During the layout mode, the layout area is observable by a user sothat the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one objectwithin the layout area. During the duplication mode, the layout area isreproducible by the duplication apparatus so that the duplicationapparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one objectwithin the layout area.

[0016] Also disclosed is a method for making a collage that comprisesthe steps of: providing a collage making apparatus that defines a layoutarea; positioning at least one object within the layout area defined bythe collage making apparatus; observing an arrangement of the at leastone object within the layout area; positioning the collage makingapparatus so that the layout area is adjacent a duplicating bed of aduplication apparatus; and operating the duplication apparatus toduplicate the arrangement of the at least one object within the layoutarea and to produce a copy of the arrangement of the at least one objectwithin the layout area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] Illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the inventionare shown in the accompanying drawing in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flatbed scanner;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collage making apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the collage making apparatusshowing a fully articulating hinge member;

[0021]FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the collage making apparatuswith the scanner lid removed to show the transparent cover member in itssecond position and positioned adjacent the scanning bed of the flatbedscanner;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the collagemaking apparatus;

[0023]FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the second embodiment of thecollage making apparatus showing a fully articulating hinge member;

[0024]FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the second embodiment of thecollage making apparatus with the scanner lid removed to show thetemplate member in the second position and positioned adjacent thescanning bed of the flatbed scanner;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the collagemaking apparatus;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of thecollage making apparatus having a transparent backing member; and

[0027]FIG. 10 is a side view of the third embodiment of the collagemaking apparatus showing the fully articulating hinge members and thespace defined between the transparent backing member and the scannerlid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A collage making apparatus 10 according to one preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 and describedherein as it could be used in conjunction with a flatbed scanner 11(FIG. 1) to create a collage (not shown). Alternatively, and as will beexplained in greater detail below, the collage making apparatus 10 maybe used in conjunction with any of a wide range of other duplicationdevices such as photo copiers, cameras, or other types of duplicationsystems. The collage making apparatus 10 may also be used to producedocuments and things besides collages.

[0029] The collage making apparatus 10 may comprise a layout area 12contained within the collage making apparatus 10 that accommodates atleast one object (not shown), such as a photograph, drawing, writtentext, etc. (not shown), that is to be contained in the collage. Thecollage making apparatus 10 is designed such that it is convertiblebetween a layout mode (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a scan mode (FIG. 4).During the layout mode, the user (not shown) is able to position theobject within the layout area 12 and then observe the arrangement (notshown) prior to scanning to ensure a proper arrangement. Since the useris able to see how the collage will eventually look prior to scanning,there is no need to repeatedly scan, evaluate and reposition the objectto scan a desired arrangement. During the scan mode, the collage makingapparatus 10 is positioned on the scanning bed 19 of scanner 11 so thatthe layout area 12 is scannable by the flatbed scanner 11. The scanner11 may then be operated to scan the layout area 12, thus capturing anelectronic image of the arrangement of the object within the layout area12.

[0030] The collage making apparatus 10 may further comprise a backingmember 14 that defines the layout area 12 and a transparent cover member16 that is operatively associated with the backing member 14. Thetransparent cover member 16 may be movable between a first position 38(FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second position 40 (FIG. 4). In the first position38, the transparent cover member 16 exposes the layout area 12. In thesecond position 40, the transparent cover member 16 covers the layoutarea 12 and also secures any objects contained within the layout area12.

[0031] The collage making apparatus 10 may be used as follows to createa collage with a flatbed scanner 11. Assuming that the user has selectedthe object or objects (not shown) that are to be contained in thecollage, the user moves the transparent cover member 16 to its firstposition 38 (or removes the transparent cover member 16) and places theobject or objects within the layout area 12 defined by the backingmember 14. The user then moves the transparent cover member 16 to itssecond position 40 thereby enclosing and securing the object(s) withinthe layout area 12. The user may then observe the arrangement of theobject(s) within the layout area 12 through the transparent cover member16 to ensure a proper arrangement. If satisfied, the user positions thecollage making apparatus 10 so that the transparent cover member 16 isface-down on the scanning bed 19 of flatbed scanner 11. The user nextactuates the flatbed scanner 11 so that the flatbed scanner 11 scans thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 12 through thetransparent cover member 16. The flatbed scanner 11 then sends imagedata signals that are representative of the arrangement of the object(s)within the layout area 12 to a computer (not shown) operativelyassociated with the flatbed scanner 11. The computer then reproduces animage (not shown) of the arrangement of the object(s) within the layoutarea 12 on a suitable display device (not shown), such as CRT or aprinter.

[0032] A significant advantage of the present invention is that itallows a user to observe an arrangement of an object within the layoutarea 12 prior to scanning the object. Since the user is able to see howthe collage will eventually look prior to scanning, the need torepeatedly scan, evaluate and reposition the object to scan a desiredarrangement is eliminated. Thus, the time needed for the user to scan adesired arrangement is minimized. In addition, the user's frustrationassociated with the repeated scanning, evaluating and repositioningprocess is eliminated.

[0033] Another significant advantage of the present invention is thatthe it improves collage making without requiring any hardware changes.Indeed, the collage making apparatus 10 is easy to use since it utilizescommon methods and has the flexibility to be used in conjunction withany duplication devices that are capable of producing a duplicate suchas photocopiers, cameras and the like.

[0034] Yet another significant advantage of the present invention isthat the collage making apparatus 10 secures the object within thelayout area 12. Therefore, the closing of the scanner lid 23 will notdisturb the arrangement of any objects within the layout area 12.

[0035] Still yet another significant advantage of the present inventionis that the layout area 12 of the collage making apparatus 10 can assistthe user in placing the object by providing the appropriate position andorientation for the object within the layout area 12. By doing so, theresulting scanned image will need little to no computer-based editing.Thus, the time needed to create a collage with the flatbed scanner 11 isminimized.

[0036] Having briefly described the collage making apparatus 10according to one embodiment of the present invention, as well as some ofits more significant features and advantages, the various preferredembodiments of the collage making apparatus will now be described indetail. However, before proceeding with the description, it should benoted that while the three alternative embodiments 10, 110, 210 of thecollage making apparatus are shown and described herein as they could beused in conjunction with flatbed scanners 11, 111, 211 to create acollage, they could also be used in any of wide range of otherapplications and in conjunction with any of a wide range of otherduplication apparatus such as other scanner apparatus, copier apparatus,cameras, and the like. Indeed, the collage making apparatus 10, 110, 210could be used in conjunction with any duplication devices, that are nowknown in the art or that may be developed in the future, capable ofproducing a duplicate or copy of an object. For instance, the collagemaking apparatus 10, 110, 210 could be used with a photocopying machineto create a scrapbook. Consequently, the present invention should not beregarded as limited to use in conjunction with flatbed scanners only norshould it be regarded as limited to the production of collages only.

[0037] With the foregoing considerations in mind, one preferredembodiment of the collage making apparatus 10 according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 2 and is described herein as it could be usedin conjunction with a flatbed scanner 11 of the type that is readilycommercially available. Since flatbed scanners are wellknown in the art,however, and could readily be provided by persons having ordinary skillin the art after having become familiar with the teachings of thepresent invention, the various component parts of the flatbed scanners11, 111 (FIG. 7), and 211 (FIG. 8) will not be discussed in furtherdetail herein.

[0038] As briefly mentioned earlier, the collage making apparatus 10 maycomprise a layout area 12 contained within the collage making apparatus10 which accommodates at least one object that is to be contained in acollage. The collage making apparatus 10 may be configured such that itis convertible between a layout mode (FIGS. 2 and 3) and a scan mode(FIG. 4). During the layout mode, the user is able to position theobject within the layout area 12 and then observe that arrangement priorto scanning to ensure a proper arrangement. Since the user is able tosee how the collage will eventually look prior to scanning, the need torepeatedly scan, evaluate and reposition the object to scan a desiredarrangement is eliminated. During the scan mode, the layout area 12 isscannable by the flatbed scanner 11 such that the arrangement of theobject within the layout area 12 is scanned by the flatbed scanner 11.

[0039] The layout area 12 may include fasteners (not shown) for mountingobjects within the layout area 12. Any such fasteners may be selectedfrom any of a wide range of fastening devices or systems (e.g., clips oradhesives) that would be suitable for the intended application. By wayof example, a double-sided adhesive tape may be used to mount an objectwithin the layout area 12. In another embodiment, a tacky surface may beprovided within the layout area 12 so that an object may be mountedwithin the layout area 12. In yet another embodiment, the layout area 12may be provided with corner mounting inserts sized to receive thecorners of an object so that an object may be mounted within the layoutarea 12. In still yet another embodiment, glue may be used to mount anobject within the layout area 12. In still another arrangement, hook andloop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) may be used to mount an object within thelayout area 12. In the embodiment shown and described herein, atransparent cover member 16 secures any objects contained within thelayout area 12 when the transparent cover member 16 is in its secondposition 40 (FIG. 4).

[0040] Although it is not required, the collage making apparatus 10 maybe provided with designs or patterns (not shown). By way of exampleonly, the backing member 14 of collage making apparatus 10 may beprovided with a school bus design in which the layout area 12 is alignedwith a window of the school bus such that in the resulting imagedisplayed by the computer, the object appears in the school bus window.

[0041] With reference now primarily to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the layout area12 of the collage making apparatus 10 may be defined by a backing member14. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the layout area 12comprises a generally rectangular shape having a width 18 and length 20(FIG. 3) about equal to the width 25 and length 27 (FIG. 1),respectively, of the scanning bed 19, although other shapes andconfigurations are possible. The backing member 14 may comprise any of awide range of materials (e.g., plastics, metals, glass, cardboard)suitable for the intended application. In one preferred embodiment, thebacking member 14 comprises a plate glass member, although other shapes,materials, and configurations may be used. Alternatively, the backingmember 14 may be made from cardboard. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the backing member 14 is made from plastic.

[0042] The collage making apparatus 10 may further include a transparentcover member 16 that is operatively associated with the backing member14 so that the transparent cover member 16 is movable between a firstposition 38 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second position 40 (FIG. 4). In thefirst position 38, the transparent cover member 16 exposes the layoutarea 12. In the second position 40, the transparent cover member 16covers the layout area 12 and also secures any objects that arecontained within the layout area 12. The transparent cover member 16 maycomprise any of a wide range of transparent, plate-like materialssuitable for the intended application. In one preferred embodiment, thetransparent cover member 16 is made from glass. Alternatively, thetransparent cover member 16 may be made from transparent plastic.

[0043] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the transparentcover member 16 be attached to the backing member 14. Any of a widerange of suitable fastening devices or systems (e.g., by mechanicalfasteners or adhesives) may be used to attach the transparent covermember 16 to the backing member 14. By way of example, an adhesive tape22 (FIG. 2) may be used to attach a first edge 26 of transparent covermember 16 to a first edge 28 of backing member 14. In anotherembodiment, the transparent cover member 16 may be pivotally attached tothe backing member 14 via a hinge member 24 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Morespecifically, the hinge member 24 may be attached to the first edge 26of transparent cover member 16 and to the first edge 28 of backingmember 14. The hinge member 24 allows the transparent cover member 16 tobe pivoted with respect to the backing member 14. Stated differently,the transparent cover member 16 may be pivoted between its first andsecond positions 38, 40 about pivot axis 30. It is generally preferred,but not required, that the hinge member 24 be fully articulating so thatthe user can lay both the backing member 14 and the transparent covermember 16 flat against a surface during the layout mode (FIG. 3).

[0044] It is also generally preferred, but not required, that a secondedge 32 of transparent cover member 16 engage a second edge 34 ofbacking member 14 when the transparent cover member 16 is in its secondposition 40 (FIG. 4). A fastener 36 selected from any of a wide range offastening systems or devices (e.g., screws, rivets, adhesives, formedtabs and hooks, brackets, etc.), suitable for the intended application,may be used to secure the second edge 32 of transparent cover member 16to the second edge 34 of backing member 14. In the embodiment shown anddescribed herein, an adhesive tape 36 (FIG. 4) is used to secure thesecond edge 32 of transparent cover member 16 to the second edge 34 ofbacking member 14 after the transparent cover member 16 is moved to itssecond position 40, although such is not required.

[0045] The collage making apparatus 10 according to this firstembodiment of the present invention may be used as follows to create acollage with a flatbed scanner 11. Assuming that the user has selectedthe object or objects that are to be contained in the collage, the usermoves the transparent cover member 16 to its first position 38 (FIGS. 2and 3) and places the object or objects within the layout area 12defined by the backing member 14. The user then moves the transparentcover member 16 to its second position 40 (FIG. 4) and engages thesecond edge 32 of transparent cover member 16 with the second edge 34 ofbacking member 14 thus enclosing and securing the object or objectswithin the layout area 12. The user may then observe the arrangement ofthe object(s) within the layout area 12 through the transparent covermember 16 to ensure a proper arrangement. If satisfied, the userpositions the collage making apparatus 10 so that the transparent covermember 16 is face-down on the scanning bed 19. The user next actuatesthe flatbed scanner 11 so that the flatbed scanner 11 scans thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 12 through thetransparent cover member 16. The flatbed scanner 11 then sends imagedata signals that are representative of the arrangement of the object(s)within the layout area 12 to a computer operatively associated with theflatbed scanner 11. The computer then reproduces an image of thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 12 on a suitabledisplay device, such as CRT or a printer.

[0046] A second embodiment 110 of the collage making apparatus is shownin FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. In this second alternative embodiment 110, abacking member 114 may be provided that defines a layout area 112. Inthe embodiment shown and described herein, the backing member 114defines a layout area 112 that is generally rectangularly shaped with awidth 118 and length 120 (FIG. 6) about equal to the width 125 andlength 127 (FIG. 7), respectively, of the scanning bed 119, althoughother shapes and configurations may be used.

[0047] The layout area 112 may include fasteners (not shown) formounting objects within the layout area 112. Any such fasteners may beselected from any of a wide range of fastening devices or systems (e.g.,clips or adhesives) that would be suitable for the intended application.By way of example, a double-sided adhesive tape may be used to mount anobject within the layout area 112. In another embodiment, a tackysurface may be provided within the layout area 112 so that an object maybe mounted within the layout area 112. In yet another embodiment, thelayout area 112 may be provided with corner mounting inserts sized toreceive the corners of an object so that an object may be mounted withinthe layout area 112. In still yet another embodiment, glue may be usedto mount an object within the layout area 112. In still anotherarrangement, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) may be used tomount an object within the layout area 112. In the embodiment shown anddescribed herein, a template member 116 secures any objects containedwithin the layout area 112 when the template member 116 is in its secondposition 140 (FIG. 7).

[0048] The backing member 114 may comprise any of a wide range ofmaterials (e.g., plastics, metals, glasses, cardboard) suitable for theintended application. In one preferred embodiment, the backing member114 comprises a plate glass member, although other shapes, materials,and configurations may be used. Alternatively, the backing member 114may be made from cardboard. In yet another alternative embodiment, thebacking member 114 is made from plastic.

[0049] The collage apparatus 110 may further include a template member116 that is operatively associated with the backing member 114 so thatthe template member 116 is movable between a first position 138 (FIGS. 5and 6) and a second position 140 (FIG. 7). The template member 116 mayinclude at least one opening 118 therein. In the first position 138, thetemplate member 116 exposes the layout area 112. In the second position140, the template member 116 covers a portion of the layout area 112while the opening 118 exposes a portion of any objects contained withinthe layout area 112. The template member 116 may also secure any objectscontained within the layout area 112 when the template member 116 is inits second position 140.

[0050] The template member 116 may comprise any of a wide range ofmaterials and shapes suitable for the intended application. It isgenerally preferred, but not required, that the template member 116comprise an opaque or translucent, plate-like member. By way of exampleonly, in one preferred embodiment, the template member 116 is made fromtinted plastic. Alternatively, the template member 116 may be made fromcardboard.

[0051] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the templatemember 116 be provided with a design or pattern (not shown) around theopening 118. By way of example only, the template member 116 may beprovided with a school bus design in which the opening 118 forms aschool bus window such that in the resulting image displayed by thecomputer, the portion of the object exposed by the opening 118 appearsin the school bus window.

[0052] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the templatemember 116 be attached to the backing member 114. Any of wide range ofsuitable fastening devices or systems (e.g., by mechanical fasteners oradhesives) may be used to attach the template member 116 to the backingmember 114. By way of example, an adhesive tape 122 (FIG. 5) is used toattach a first edge 126 of template member 116 to a first edge 128 ofbacking member 114. In another embodiment, the template member 116 maybe pivotally attached to the backing member 114 via a hinge member 124(FIGS. 6 and 7). More specifically, the hinge member 124 may be attachedto the first edge 126 of template member 116 and to the first edge 128of backing member 114. The hinge member 124 allows the template member116 to be pivoted with respect to the backing member 114. Stateddifferently, the template member 116 may be pivoted between its firstand second positions 138, 140 about pivot axis 130. It is generallypreferred, but not required, that the hinge member 124 be fullyarticulating so that the user can lay both the backing member 114 andthe template member 116 flat against a surface during the layout mode(FIG. 6).

[0053] It is also generally preferred, but not required, that a secondedge 132 of template member 116 engage a second edge 134 of backingmember 114 when the template member 116 is in its second position 140(FIG. 7). A fastener 136 selected from any of a wide range of fasteningsystems or devices (e.g., screws, rivets, adhesives, formed tabs andhooks, brackets, etc.), suitable for the intended application, may beused to secure the second edge 132 of template member 116 to the secondedge 134 of backing member 114. In the embodiment shown and describedherein, an adhesive tape 136 (FIG. 7) is used to secure the second edge132 of template member 116 to the second edge 134 of backing member 114after the template member 116 is moved to its second position 140,although such is not required.

[0054] The collage making apparatus 110 according to this secondembodiment of the present invention may be operated as follows to createa collage with a flatbed scanner 111. Assuming that the user hasselected the object or objects that are to be contained in the collage,the user moves the template member 116 to its first position 138 (orremoves the template member 116) and places the object or objects withinthe layout area 112 defined by the backing member 114. The user thenmoves the template member 116 to its second position 140 and engages thesecond edge 132 of template member 116 with the second edge 134 ofbacking member 114. The user may then observe the portion(s) of theobject(s) exposed through the opening 118 to ensure a properarrangement. If satisfied, the user positions the collage makingapparatus 110 so that template member 116 is face-down on the scanningbed 119. The user next actuates the flatbed scanner 111 so that theflatbed scanner 111 scans the template member 116 and the portion(s) ofthe object(s) exposed by the opening 118. The flatbed scanner 111 thensends image data signals that are representative of the scanned templatemember 116 and object portion(s) exposed by the opening 118 to acomputer (not shown) operatively associated with the flatbed scanner111. The computer then reproduces an image from those image data signalson a suitable display device.

[0055] A third alternative embodiment 210 of the collage makingapparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and10, and may include a scanner lid 214 that is operatively associatedwith the flatbed scanner 211 so that the scanner lid 214 is movablebetween an opened position 246 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) and a closed position(not shown), but discussed below. In this alternative embodiment 210,the scanner lid 214 defines a layout area 212. The layout area 212 maybe a generally rectangular shape having a width 218 and length 220 (FIG.8) about equal to the width 225 and length 227 (FIG. 8), respectively,of the scanning bed 219, although other shapes and configurations may beused.

[0056] The layout area 212 may include fasteners (not shown) formounting objects within the layout area 212. Any such fasteners may beselected from any of a wide range of fastening devices or systems (e.g.,clips or adhesives) that would be suitable for the intended application.By way of example, a double-sided adhesive tape may be used to mount anobject within the layout area 212. In another embodiment, a tackysurface may be provided within the layout area 212 so that an object maybe mounted within the layout area 212. In yet another embodiment, thelayout area 212 may be provided with corner mounting inserts sized toreceive the corners of an object so that an object may be mounted withinthe layout area 212. In still yet another embodiment, glue may be usedto mount an object within the layout area 212. In still anotherarrangement, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) may be used tomount an object within the layout area 212. In the embodiment shown anddescribed herein, a transparent cover member 216 secures any objectscontained within the layout area 212 when the transparent cover member216 is in its second position 250 (FIG. 10).

[0057] In the embodiment shown and described herein, the scanner lid 214comprises a generally rectangularly shaped structure. Alternatively, ofcourse, other shapes and configurations are possible. The scanner lid214 may be made from any of a wide range of materials (e.g., metals orplastics) suitable for the intended application. By way of example only,the scanner lid 214 is fabricated from an acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS) plastic, although other materials may be used.

[0058] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the scanner lid214 be attached to the scanner housing 213 of flatbed scanner 211. Thescanner lid 214 may be attached to the scanner housing 213 using any ofa wide range of suitable fastening devices or systems (e.g., bymechanical fasteners or adhesives). By way of example, the scanner lid214 is pivotally attached to the housing 213 via a hinge member 238(FIGS. 8, 9 and 10). The hinge member 238 allows the scanner lid 214 tobe pivoted with respect to the scanner housing 213. Stated differently,the scanner lid 214 may be pivoted between its opened position 246(FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) and its closed position about pivot axis 240. It isgenerally preferred, but not required, that the hinge member 238 befully articulating so that the user can lay the scanner lid 214 flatagainst a surface during the layout mode (FIG. 10).

[0059] The collage making apparatus 210 may further include atransparent cover member 216 operatively associated with the scanner lid214 so that the transparent cover member 216 is movable between a firstposition 248 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and a second position 250 (FIG. 10). Whenthe transparent cover member 216 is in its first position 248 and thescanner lid 214 is in its opened position 246, the layout area 212 isexposed (FIG. 8). The layout area 212 is covered, however, by thetransparent cover member 216 when the transparent cover member 216 is inits second position 250 (FIG. 10). Any objects contained within thelayout area 212 may be secured by the transparent cover member 216 whenthe transparent cover member 216 is in its second position 250, whichallows the scanner lid 214 to be closed without disturbing thearrangement of any objects contained in the layout area 212.

[0060] In the embodiment shown and described herein, the transparentcover member 216 comprises a generally rectangular shape having a widthand length about equal to the width 218 and length 220 (FIG. 8),respectively, of the layout area 212, although other shapes andconfigurations are possible. The transparent cover member 216 maycomprise any of a wide range of transparent, plate-like materialssuitable for the intended application. In one preferred embodiment, thetransparent cover member 216 is made from transparent plastic, althoughother materials may be used. Alternatively, the transparent cover member216 may comprise a plate glass member.

[0061] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the transparentcover member 216 be attached to the scanner lid 214. Any of a wide rangeof suitable fastening devices or systems (e.g., by mechanical fastenersor adhesives) may be used to attach the transparent cover member 216 tothe scanner lid 214. By way of example only, in one preferredembodiment, the transparent cover member 216 is pivotally attached tothe scanner lid 214 via a hinge member 224 (FIGS. 8 and 9). Morespecifically, the hinge member 224 pivotally attaches a first edge 226of transparent cover member 216 to the scanner lid 214. The hinge member224 allows the transparent cover member 216 to be pivoted with respectto the scanner lid 214. Stated differently, the transparent cover member216 may be pivoted between its first and second positions 248, 250 aboutpivot axis 230. It is generally preferred, but not required, that thehinge member 224 be fully articulating so that the user can lay thetransparent cover member 216 flat against a surface during the layoutmode (FIG. 10). Alternatively, the transparent cover member 216 may bepivotally attached to the scanner lid 214 via the hinge member 238 (notshown).

[0062] It is also generally preferred, but not required, that a secondedge 232 of transparent cover member 216 engage the scanner lid 214 whenthe transparent cover member 216 is in its second position 250 (notshown). By way of example only, a fastener (not shown) selected from anyof a wide range of fastening systems or devices (e.g., screws, rivets,adhesives, formed tabs and hooks, brackets, etc.), suitable for theintended application, may be used to secure the second edge 232 oftransparent cover member 216 to the scanner lid 214 after thetransparent cover member 216 is moved to its second position 250.

[0063] As best seen in FIG. 9, the collage making apparatus 210 may befurther provided with a transparent backing member 242 operativelyassociated with the scanner lid 214 so that a space or insert slot 244is defined between the transparent backing member 242 and the scannerlid 214. The insert slot 244 allows a background motif (not shown) to beplaced between the transparent backing member 242 and the scanner lid214. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the insert slot 244allows a background motif to be placed behind an object that ispositioned between the transparent cover member 216 and the transparentbacking member 242. An insert slot could also have been provided in thefirst and second embodiments 10 and 110 of the collage making apparatusas well (not shown).

[0064] The transparent backing member 242 may comprise any of a widerange of transparent, plate-like materials suitable for the intendedapplication. In one preferred embodiment, the transparent backing member242 is made from transparent plastic, although other materials may beused. Alternatively, the transparent backing member 242 may be made fromglass.

[0065] It is generally preferred, but not required, that the transparentbacking member 242 be attached to the scanner lid 214. Any of a widerange of suitable fastening devices or systems (e.g., by mechanicalfasteners or adhesives) may be used to attach the transparent backingmember 242 to the scanner lid 214. In a preferred embodiment, thetransparent backing member 242 is secured to the scanner lid 214 by anyof a wide range of suitable adhesives that are readily commerciallyavailable (FIG. 10). Alternatively, the transparent backing member 242may be pivotally attached to the scanner lid 214 via a hinge member (notshown) which allows the transparent backing member 242 to be pivotedwith respect to the scanner lid 214. The hinge member may comprise afully articulating hinge member that would allow the user to lay thetransparent backing member 242 flat against a surface during the layoutmode (not shown). The transparent backing member 242 may also be securedby and engage the transparent cover member 216 when the transparentcover member 216 is in its second position 250 (not shown). In yetanother alternative embodiment, the scanner lid 214 may be provided withan aperture (not shown) into which the transparent backing member 242 ismounted. Since the details of attaching the transparent backing member242 to the scanner lid 214 are not necessary to understand or describethe present invention, the particular mounting arrangement utilized inone embodiment will not be described in further detail.

[0066] The collage making apparatus 210 of the third embodiment may beoperated as follows to create a collage with a flatbed scanner 211.Assuming that the user has selected the object or objects that are to becontained in the collage, the user opens the scanner lid 214 and movesthe transparent cover member 216 to its first position 248 (or removesthe transparent cover member 216). The user next positions the object orobjects within the layout area 212 defined by the scanner lid 214. Theuser then moves the transparent cover member 216 to its second position250 and engages the second edge 232 of transparent cover member 216 withthe scanner lid 214 thereby enclosing and securing the object(s) withinthe layout area 212. Optionally, the user may insert a background motifbehind the object(s) via insert slot 244. The user may then observe thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 212 through thetransparent cover member 216 to ensure a proper arrangement. Ifsatisfied, the user closes the scanner lid 214 which positions thetransparent cover member 216 face-down on the scanning bed 219. The usernext actuates the flatbed scanner 211 so that the flatbed scanner 211scans the arrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 212 andoptional background motif through the transparent cover member 216. Theflatbed scanner 211 then sends image data signals that arerepresentative of the arrangement of the object(s) within the layoutarea 212 to a computer (not shown) operatively associated with theflatbed scanner 211. The computer then reproduces an image of thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 212 on a suitabledisplay device.

[0067] In any of the three embodiments 10, 110, 210 of the collagemaking apparatus just discussed, a sticker (not shown) may be provided.The sticker may removably adhere to the collage making apparatus 10,110, 210 so that the sticker is reusable and repositionable.Alternatively, the sticker may removably adhere to the scanning beds 19,119, 219. The sticker may be provided in a variety of themes (i.e.,stars, rainbows, etc.) to help add creativity to the collage. By way ofexample only, the sticker may comprise a thought balloon upon which textcan be added and erased. By using the thought balloon sticker, text canbe easily and quickly added to the collage. Although such text could beadded to the electronic image of the arrangement of the object(s) withinthe layout areas 12, 112, 212 with a computer operatively associatedwith the flatbed scanners 11, 111, 211, the computer method often provesmuch more difficult for the average user than just assembling stickerson the scanning beds 19, 119, 219 or on the collage making apparatus 10,110, 210 prior to scanning.

[0068] The collage making apparatus 10, 110, 210 may also be providedwith a paper sheet (not shown) having a first side and a second side.The paper sheet is to be contained in the printer operatively associatedwith the flatbed scanners 11, 111, 211. The first side of the papersheet may have a background motif (not shown) preprinted thereon suchthat the printer prints out the computer produced image of thearrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 12, 112, 212overlaying the background motif. Stated differently, since thebackground motif is already provided on the paper sheet, the flatbedscanners 11, 111, 211 do not scan the background motif nor is itproduced by the computer or printer.

[0069] The collage making apparatus 10, 110, 210 may also comprise abackground pattern (not shown) selected by the user. The backgroundpattern is preprogramed into either the flatbed scanners 11, 111, 211 orinto the computer. After selection, the computer reproduces the image ofthe arrangement of the object(s) within the layout area 12, 112, 212with the background pattern being automatically added. The image andbackground pattern may then be displayed by the computer on a suitabledisplay device, such as a CRT or a printer. The background pattern maybe selected when the user selects or inputs a pattern number or indexfor retrieving the background pattern into the flatbed scanner 11, 111,211 via the control panel 21, 121, 221. Alternatively, the user mayselect the background pattern by inputting an index for retrieving thebackground pattern into the computer. In yet another alternativeembodiment, a bar code (not shown) may be located on the collage makingapparatus 10, 110, 210 and be scanned by the scanner 11, 111, 211 sothat the background pattern corresponding to that bar code is selected.The background pattern could also be selected by various other suitablemethods, as would be obvious to persons having ordinary skill in the artafter having become familiar with the teachings of the presentinvention. In any case, the background pattern is not scanned by theflatbed scanner 11, 111, 211.

[0070] It is contemplated that the inventive concepts herein describedmay be variously otherwise embodied and it is intended that the appendedclaims be construed to include alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus comprising a layout area contained within said collage making apparatus, said layout area accommodating at least one object that is to be contained in said collage, said collage making apparatus being convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode, said layout area being observable by a user during the layout mode so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area, the layout area being reproducible by said duplication apparatus during the duplication mode so that said duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area.
 2. The collage making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a backing member, said backing member defining said layout area; and a transparent cover member operatively associated with said backing member so that said transparent cover member can be moved between a first position and a second position, said transparent cover member exposing said layout area when said transparent cover member is in the first position, said transparent cover member covering said layout area when said transparent cover member is in the second position, said transparent cover member also securing the at least one object contained within said layout area when said transparent cover member is in the second position.
 3. The collage making apparatus of claim 2, wherein said transparent cover member comprises a plate glass member.
 4. The collage making apparatus of claim 2, wherein said backing member comprises a plate glass member.
 5. The collage making apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a hinge member attached to said backing member and to said transparent cover member, said hinge member allowing said transparent cover member to be pivoted with respect to said backing member between the first position and the second position.
 6. The collage making apparatus of claim 5, wherein said transparent cover member includes a first edge and a second edge, wherein said backing member includes a first edge and a second edge, wherein said hinge member is attached to the first edge of said transparent cover member and to the first edge of said backing member, and wherein the second edge of said transparent cover member engages the second edge of said backing member when said transparent cover member is in the second position.
 7. The collage making apparatus of claim 5, wherein said hinge member is fully articulating.
 8. The collage making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a backing member, said backing member defining said layout area; and a template member operatively associated with said backing member so that said template member can be moved between a first position and a second position, said template member including at least one opening therein, said template member exposing said layout area when said template member is in the first position, said template member covering a portion of said layout area when said template member is in the second position, the at least one opening in said template member exposing a portion of the at least one object contained within said layout area when said template member is in the second position.
 9. The collage making apparatus of claim 8, wherein said template member secures the at least one object contained within said layout area when said template member is in the second position.
 10. The collage making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sticker, said sticker removably adhering to said collage making apparatus or to a duplicating bed of said duplication apparatus.
 11. The collage making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a paper sheet having a first side and a second side, the first side of said paper sheet having a background motif preprinted thereon, said paper sheet allowing said duplication apparatus to produce a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area overlaying the background motif on the first side of said paper sheet.
 12. The collage making apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a background pattern selected by said user, said background pattern being preprogrammed into said duplication apparatus or a computer operatively associated with said duplication apparatus, said background pattern allowing said duplication apparatus to produce a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area overlaying the background pattern.
 13. Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus, comprising: collage making means for defining a layout area contained with said collage making means, said layout area accommodating at least one object that is to be contained in said collage, said collage making means being convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode, said layout area being observable by a user during the layout mode so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area, the layout area being reproducible by said duplication apparatus during the duplication mode so that said duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area.
 14. Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus comprising a layout area contained within said collage making apparatus, said layout area accommodating at least one object that is to be contained in said collage, said collage making apparatus being convertible between a layout mode and a duplication mode, when in said layout mode, the at least one object being freely moveable by a user within said layout area and said layout area being observable by the user so that the user may observe an arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area; when in said duplication mode, said layout area being reproducible by said duplication apparatus during the duplication mode so that said duplication apparatus produces a copy of the arrangement of the at least one object within said layout area.
 15. Collage making apparatus for assisting in the production of a collage by duplication apparatus, said collage making apparatus comprising: a backing member, said backing member defining a layout area, said layout area accommodating at least one object that is to be contained in said collage; and a cover member operatively associated with said backing member so that said cover member can be moved between a first position and a second position, said cover member exposing said layout area when said cover member is in the first position so that the at least one object that is to be contained in said collage is freely moveable within said layout area, said cover member securing the at least one object contained within said layout area when said cover member is in the second position.
 16. The collage making apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cover member is transparent, said transparent cover member covering substantially an entirety of said layout area when said transparent cover member is in the second position. 